Sawyer Sweeten's Death Addressed During 'Everybody Loves Raymond' Reunion

Everybody Loves Raymond reunion

CBS aired the “Everybody Loves Raymond: 30th Anniversary Reunion” special to celebrate three decades since the sitcom’s debut and to look back at the show’s legacy. The surviving cast reunited on stage, sharing memories of working together and reflecting on how the series continues to resonate with audiences.

Tribute to Sawyer Sweeten

During the reunion, the cast spoke openly and emotionally about the death of Sawyer Sweeten, who played one of Ray and Debra Barone’s twin sons. Sawyer died by suicide in April 2015 at the age of 19 while visiting family in Texas, and his absence was a central, painful topic for those gathered.

Memories from his siblings

Sawyer’s twin brother, Sullivan Sweeten, and their sister, Madylin Sweeten, joined the reunion and shared personal recollections of their brother and their time on set. Sullivan noted that no one in the family anticipated what happened and said he prefers to focus on the good memories they created while filming the series together.

“None of us really expected what happened. But I try to think about the good moments. And oftentimes, that’s here on the set.”

Sullivan also described how he and Sawyer enjoyed playing around the bleachers and in the prop room between takes, calling those experiences some of his favorite memories from the show. Madylin agreed with the warm recollections and affirmed how much Sawyer’s presence meant to them during the years they spent growing up on the series.

Reactions from Ray Romano and cast

Ray Romano, who played Ray Barone and acted as a father figure to the children on the show, addressed the audience and spoke directly to Sawyer’s siblings. He emphasized that Sawyer had the same bright, lively energy as they do and expressed how much he and the rest of the cast miss him.

Romano acknowledged that the reunion could not ignore the reality that some beloved cast members are gone. He underlined that Sawyer’s death left a lasting impact on everyone involved with the show, and that his memory remains an integral part of their shared history.

Remembering Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle

The reunion also honored Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, who portrayed Ray’s parents, Marie and Frank Barone. Both actors have passed away since the series ended, and the cast took time to recall their talent, humor, and dedication to their craft.

Patricia Heaton remembered Roberts’s relentless work ethic, noting that she continued studying and directing even during breaks from filming. The cast similarly reflected on Boyle’s distinctive presence and how much his performance contributed to the show’s tone and heart.

Why a reboot will not happen

When asked about the possibility of reviving Everybody Loves Raymond, Ray Romano made it clear that a reboot is not planned. He explained that without Sawyer Sweeten, Doris Roberts, and Peter Boyle, they are missing three family members, and the cast does not feel right attempting a new version of the show.

Series creator Phil Rosenthal agreed that a reboot would not capture the original spirit, stressing that they respect both the work already created and the audience that still enjoys the show in reruns. The reunion instead served as a one-time gathering to celebrate what the series meant to viewers and to those who made it, including the cast members who are no longer alive.

Legacy of the reunion

The special balanced nostalgia and grief, showing how the cast still feels like a family while acknowledging the loss of key members. By speaking candidly about Sawyer Sweeten’s death and honoring Doris Roberts and Peter Boyle, the reunion highlighted both the joy the show brought and the enduring emotional bonds behind it.

“This is a reunion. We will never pursue a reboot because we are missing three cast members—and family members—so we wouldn’t attempt to do it without them.”

Author’s summary

A heartfelt reunion marks Everybody Loves Raymond’s 30th anniversary, as the cast honors Sawyer Sweeten and other late co‑stars while firmly closing the door on any reboot.

Yahoo — 2025-11-25